Tulsa residents will get their first chance to weigh in on a proposed hotel guest tax increase at a public meeting tonight.
The meeting will take place from 6–8 p.m. at the OU-Tulsa Perkins Auditorium.
City officials are considering raising the current 5% hotel guest tax—unchanged for nearly forty years—to 9.25%.
The tax applies only to short‑term lodging stays under 30 days and would continue to exclude food, parking, and other services. Because the tax is paid primarily by visitors, city leaders argue the increase would strengthen Tulsa’s tourism infrastructure without raising taxes on residents.
If approved by voters in August, the new rate could take effect as early as October.
Revenue from the existing tax already supports major venues like the BOK Center and Tulsa Performing Arts Center, as well as tourism promotion and economic development initiatives.
Officials say the higher rate would help maintain and grow these efforts as Tulsa’s tourism economy expands.
Tonight’s town hall will give residents a chance to ask questions, share concerns, and shape the proposal before it moves forward.
You can find more information here.
